So I've driven almost exclusively in Sport mode since I purchased this car a month ago. I've notice the oil and coolant temp hover in the low 200* range under all conditions. This weekend I've removed my secondary cat and resonator and started driving in normal mode to remove the pops and burbles at times and noticed the temps rose to the 220s. Nothing earth shattering as its well known that is where these engine run but interesting to know we have a variable thermostat.


Also, the throttle response in normal mode with the engine cold is HORRIBLE!!!I almost stalled making a left hand turn this morning! Can't wait for my tune to get of that.

 

yeah I pretey much run only in sport mode, the lack of response in normal mode has caused me to stall a couple of times. a tune of manic or a sprint booster should be able to stop that problem. an automatic prolly helps a bit too. but yea, the initial feel of non sport mode and just trying to get a few revs to feather the clutch is slightly annoying

 

Interesting. I put on sport for the stiffened steering sometimes, but no issues with throttle.

 

It's fine once its warmed up but until the engine temps hit the 80's it is like the first half of the throttle is missing.

 

Sounds about right. The CM is kinda clunky off the line especially if you have a manual transmission

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

Torque arm insert on the way, should hopefully help

 

my 03/2012 build all4 runs 222F-232F coolant with sport OFF and 181F-188F sport ON

the oil temp follows the coolant temp but slowly

i have had several software updates and each one changed the sport ON temps

 

Please keep me posted on the effect of the insert..

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rm-insert.html

 

What exactly does the Sport button do? The manual says sharpens throttle AND steering. The latter is suspicious.

 

Increased throttle response, heavier steering, and more aggressive shift points (if you have an auto). You'll also get the "pops and burbles" from the exhaust if you have a S model.

 

How does the steering get heavier? Less PAS for the steering?

 

I assume so, but I admittedly do not know. The power steering is electric so it makes sense and having driven several MINIs over the years, the steering does indeed feel more direct in Sport

 

Makes the throttle more linear and the steering 'heavier' (i.e difference between a lot of power steering and much, much less power steering). For Auto trans' the shift points change - more short-shifting w/o Sport; more aggressive w/ Sport.
In a parking lot at relatively slow speeds try: For throttle try holding a constant throttle pedal and flip Sport on and off - the car will accelerate or decelerate depending; For steering do some zigs and zags and you'll notice steering effort increases or decreases, depending.
-Mike

 

Can it be coded as On as default?

 

The problem of the stalling when you first start up your car its because you did not let the car warm up. Driving the car while it is still warming up can damage the turbo because the oil is not circulating fast enough nor is it up to temp. Also if you don't let your turbo/oil cool down this can also hurt your turbo. I usually let mine warm up for about 2 min before driving her.